Carrier dispatch system



Aug. 16, 1932- c. s. JENNINGS ET AL m CARRIER DISPATCH SYSTEM Filed March 4. 1950 6 SheetsmSheet l Aug- 16, 1932 c. s. JENNINGS ET AL 1,371,995

CARRIER DISPATCH SYSTEM Filed March 4, 195o e sheets-sheet. 2

Aug. 16, 1932. c. s. JENNINGS ET AL' 1,871,995

CARRIERE' DISPATCH SYSTEM Filed March 4, 1930 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Aug, 16, l932- c. s.Jr.-:NN|NGS ET Al.. 1,871,995

' CARRIER DISPATCH SYSTEM Filed Maron 4, 195o e sheets-sheet 4 @bin 766 5.

All@ 16, 1932 c. ls. .JENNINGS l-:T AL 1,871,995

`CARRER DISPATCH SYSTEM Filed March 4, 1930 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Aug- 16, 1932 c. s; JENNlNGs ET AL 1,871,995

CARRIER DISPATCH ySYSTEM Filed March 4, 1930 5 Sheets-Sheet 6 f fyi-L 75 1 Al n: 1: 1K) *`\77 a 2:5 79@ gab 910; T 3

/f A n 555% 69 A' l ff) j@ L z. 2

' :l c @04) 506g/ Mew-Kc 77 75 q @C 9 C a g Patented Aug. 16, 1932 Unire stares resistir Etnici, 1 I

CHESTER s. JENNINGS .ann FRANK w. Macnanrrn, or ,sani-rouen, :anw romanssIGNoRs To 'THE 'Lawson COMPANY, or srnaousn, naw-Yoan, aconronamion OF MASSACHUSETTS CARRIER DISPATCH SYS'IIELMv lApplication filed March $4-,

This invention pertains to carrier despatch systems and in itsbroader aspects is of utility in systems of-anyusualtype irrespective lof the means employed for transmitting "5 the carriers' frompoint to point, although it is particularly valuable .in kconnection with` single tube pneumatic systems wherein carriers are caused tomovealternatively in opposite directions through the same tube, As

110 here illustrated the invention., is shown as embodied in a single tube system of the pressure type, and in its more specific features the invention finds especial value in a system in which three or'more stations' are arranged V1'5 along the same carrierway (for example a pneumatic tube) and wherein it is essential to avoid `interference between carriers despatched in opposite directions. To this end the invention provides an interlocking con- `20 -trol of the despatching means at the several stations; means for timing the operation of the carrier-impelling means so that it shall not cease operation until the last carrier despatched from a given station has been de- "15 livered; and improvements in the structural characteristics of the sending` and receiving terminals.

While we have here chosen to illustrate the invention as embodied in apressure system 00 having buta :single intermediatestation, it

is to be understood that in its broader as- .pects the invention may be found useful in systems of other types and whether or not provided with more than two stations, the arrangement shown in the accompanying drawings being by way of example and without intent to limit the scope of the invention thereby.

In the drawings,

Fig. lis a fragmentary (more or less diagrammatic) plan view'illustrating a single Ytube pneumatic 'system having terminal stations and a single intermediate station;

F ig. 2 is a side elevation of the apparatus of Fig. l, together ywith a diagrammatic rep- 1930. Serial No. 433,048.

showing in detail certain Vdesirable 4connections for a timing apparatus; .and 1 Figi? is a wiring` diagram ofkskeleton form showing the essential circuitsof the interlocking control. y

Referring firstk to .F igs. l to 4:,thesystem herein used for illustrative purposes is shown as having'a carrier way comprisingthe two pneumatic tubes l and 2 disposed 'in'.alignment and in effect constituting a singlecontinuous tube. This carrier way, comprising the aligned tubes l and 2, connects the stations A and B which for convenience may hereinafter be referred to as terminal or main7 stations andanI intermediate station C which may bev representative of any such numberof"intcrmediate stations as be desired. i Y l l/Vhile, as shown, the tubesl and2 arefsubstantially straight, and have been stated Ito be in alignment, itvwillordinarily be `found in p actice that such tubes will embodycurves and bends, and that they need .notbe in actual alignment except possibly where their ends are opposed to Veach other 'atvthestation C.

Each of the stations'niay, if desired, comprise a seat S vfor an operator, and a desk D for the operators use, aswell asjacarrier despatching table 3. The terminalstations A and B have a receiving device, here shown as a gooseneck a having one end V5,-,aligned Avitig. G 1s a. wiring diagram to larger scale,

bil

with the carrier way and the other end 6 disposed conveniently to the operator seated at Except for certain details hereinafter more fully pointed out, the terminal apparatus at each of the stations A, B, and C is substantially alike, and it is thus sufficient to describe that at the station A, for example, and with particular reference 'to Figs. 2, 3, and 4.V

Thus'the'terminal apparatus A comprises suitable supports 7, 8, and 9, the latter holding the gooseneclr 4 in proper position.v

The support7 (Figs. 3 and 4) isconveniently formed as a castingY having a passage 10 comprising a horizontal part ending at the flange 11, the latter forming a connection for an air pipe 12 (Fig. 2) leading to the blower 13. This blower, as here shown, is directly driven by an electric motor Ma. The passage 10 in support 7 also has a vertical portion treminating at the flange 14 (Fig. 4), the latter constituting a support for a valve casing 15. This valve casing has an inlet or plenum chamber y16 and an outlet chamber 16, the inlet chamber communicating at all times with the passage 10 and being separated from chamber 16a b y a septum provided with an orifice 17 defined by the valve seat 18. A valve 19 normally engages the seat 18 to close the orifice 17, being urged toward its seat kby a spring 20. A cylinder 22 is secured to the outer surface of the casing 15 in axial alignment with the stem 21 of the valve 19. This cylinder 22 is closed at its outer end, but at its inner end communicates with the chamber 16a by means of openings 25. A piston 23 secured to the stem 21 of valve 19, slides in the cylinder 22.

The outlet 16a extends upwardly through the upper part 15a of the valve casing and communicates with the interior of the substantially T-shaped hollow member 26 (Fig. 3) secured to the upper part 15@L of the valve casing. This T-shaped member comprises a horizontal portion 27 provided with a passage 28 which is aligned with the end 5 of the gooseneck with the tube 1. The chamber 26a in the lower leg of the part 26 communicates with an annular space 30 formed in a ring-like enlargement 219 of the horizontal portion 27, and this space 30 communicates with the passage 28 by means of slots 31.

The part 27 is provided with a flange 27L and the part 5 is furnished with a flange 5a, and between these flanges there is bolted a gate housing 32. This gate housing provides guides for a sliding gate 33 which is normally in a depressed position where itleaves the passage 28 wholly unobstructed. This gate is actuated by a pneumatic motor comprising a rod 34 secured to a piston 37 which slides in a cylinder 36, and a spring 38 above the pistonassists the weight of the fparts in causing the piston and the gate n the outer atmosphere.

to move downwardly when the air pressure is relieved from below the piston. The lower end of the cylinder 36 communicates with a pipe connection 39 which is connected by a pipe 40 to the casing 15 at a point such that the interior of the cylinder 36 is always in communication with the inlet chamber 16. *With this arrangement, it may be noted that if air under pressure is admitted through the pipe 12 to the chamber 16, it will tend to lift the piston 37 and also to unseat the valve 19, but the strength of the springs 2O and 38 is so chosen that before the valve 19 can be unseated, theV piston 37 will have been moved upwardly so as to close theV gate 33, thus shutting off the passage 28 from As soon as the gate has closed and the piston has stopped its upward movement the air pressure builds up in the chamber 16 and eventually opens the valve 19, permitting the air to pass upwardly into the chamber 30 and thence through the slots 31 into the passage 28.

The casing 15 is provided with a flanged boss 41 at one side, to which is secured a by-pass comprising a pipe section 42 and a quarter turn bend 42av carried by or forming an integral partof the support 8., To the upper end of this bend there is secured a valve housing 44 carrying a regulating valve 45, and above this valve housing is mounted a T-shaped section 46. The section 46 comprises the horizontal part 47 having the passage 48 which is aligned with the passage 28 in part 27, and also with the end of the tube 1. The part 47 may convenientlybe furnished with a flange-49 for attaching it to a flange on the end of the tube 1, and at its other end the part 47 is furnishedwith an attaching flange 50. The part 27 `is furnished with a similar flange 51, the flanges 50 and 51 being spaced horizontally, thus providing what in effect may be considered as an opening in the transmission line, this opening being designed for thereception of the carrier transmitting means now to be described. The flange 51 supports a fixed end Vframe member 52V (Fig. 3) which may be of 'more or less T-shape, and the flange 50 supports a similar fixed end frame 53. Each of vthe frames 52 and 53, which are substantially alike, has an upper horizontally elongate portion 54, the inner faces of the horizontal portion-s 54 of the two frames being smoothly nished and accurately parallel.v

Between these end frames is arranged a carrier cradle support comprising end members 55 and 56 which are held in properly spaced relation by means of bars 57. The members 55 and 56 are `pivotally mounted at their lower ends upon studs 58 carried by the lower ends of the fixed frames 52 and 53, respectively, and the carrier cradle lsupport is capable of oscillating to a limited extent about these pivot studs 58. The end members 'comprising a housingV mounted upon the top 56 of this oscillating support are furl nished with Ypairs of alignedopenings preferably formed in bosses 59, and these aligned openings receive the carrier cradlesl 60, each consisting of a short length of tube securely 'xecl at its opposite ends in the openings in the end members. Preferably, spring pressed packing material 61 is interposed between t-he faces of the parts 54 and the adjacent surfaces of the members 55 andv 56 so as to avoid leakage of air at this point.

rlhe fixed frame member 52 is provided with guides for a locking bolt 62 whose end is adapted to enter an opening 63 in the member 55 so as to hold the cradle support rigidly in selected position with one'of the cradles in alignment with the passage-s 28 and 48. This bolt is actuated by a pneumatic `motor, being normally held in locking posi-. tion by means of a spring 64 pressing u'p-` wardly against a piston 64a arranged within a cylinder 65.V The space above this piston is connected by aV pipe 66 (Fig. 4) to the chamber 16 so that when air under pressure is admitted to the latter, it passes upwardly through the pipe 66 and forces the piston V64a downwardly, thus retracting the bolt 62 and permitting the cradle support to be swung about its pivots 58. Under certain conditions, as for example, at the stations C and B, as hereinafter noted, it may be desirable to provide auxiliary locking means for the cradle supporting frame and to this end a second bolt 68 may be provided (as here shown for convenience at the station A. 3), such bolt normally being retracted, but being advanced to locking'position by the action of electromagnetic means such as a solenoid 69. l

In order that all carriers `despatched successively from a station may reach their destinations before the carrier actuating force ceases, the apparatus is provided with a "ret-iming device it 3) here shown as of the part 47 and providing a chamber 70 communicating` with the passage 48 by means "of a slot 71. Within this housing there is mounted a movable detector 72 which is en- Agageable b v carriers moving along th-e passage 48 and which when engaged by a carrier momentarily breaks an electric circuit lthrough a switch device 7 3.

Referring to Fig. 4, it may be noted that the despatching table 3 is downwardly concave and of substantially cylindrical curva ture with its axis in alignment with the axis of that one'of the cradles 60 which is in receiving position. When a carrier is to be despatched itis first laid upon the table 3 and the cradle supporting frame being positioned aslshown in Fig. 4 with one of the cradles lGO in alignment with the table 3, the carrier is'pu-shed endwise into the cradle 60 through a suitable openinginthe fixed frame carriers.

52."` To despatch the carrier, the supporting lframe yis swung tothe right by hand or any suitable" mechanical 'means' until the cradle is brought into*aligmnent with the passages 28 and 48. Air -is now caused to enter 'the passage `28 through slots 31 and drives the carrier before itout of the cradle 60 through the passage`f48-and into the end of the tube Y1. rlhe carrier thencontinues on its way `until it arrives at the station B. In the same way a carrier may be despatched from the station B-to the station A or fromfthe station() to the station A, the following described devices 'being provided toavoidiin-terference between carriers despatched from the several stations.

tionV comprises a push button panel Pa, Pb, PC, respectivelyeach such panelbeing provided with a starting pushbutton 75 and with an motor control kswitch for the appropriate.

blower, 'a maintaining switch and circuit which keeps the motor controlling switch closed after the release of the push button 75, signal relay means which keeps the signals in opera-tion at all other stations than the sending station during the transit of'a carrier, as well as means to prevent interference in the operation Vof the several stations and timing means to insure proper delivery of all Referring now to Figs. 5, 6, and-7, and asumng that it is desired to send a carrier from the station A to the station B, and that a carrier has been loaded into the cradle at the left-hand position of Fig. 4, the operator -first presses the push button 75 which, as

shown in Fig. 7, closes a circuitleading from the supply main X, through the normally closed emergency stop button 7 6, through the wire 88 and the normally closed circuit breaker switch 73, to the coils Ta of the timing mechanism at the station A. This circuit also Vincludes the wire 'leading to the nor- Vmally closed signal relay switch 79b at the station B, thence through the wire 81 to the normally closed signal relay switch 80c at the station C, and thence to the main Y. In parallel with this circuit is the coil 77 of the signal relay at stationV A comprising the switch arms 79EL and 80?, and as soon as this coil 77 is energizedrthearms 7 9a and 8Oa are caused to move into contact with the switch points 82 and 83 respectively, as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 7. A circuit is thus ,closed between the main Y throughthe wire 84, the switch 7 9a,`the vswitch point 82, the

:wire 85,V the signal S at the station C, and

' Referring first to Figs. 2 and'5, each stapatched.

thenceto the main Likewise current from starts, ,thus operating the blower 13 andrdelivering air under pressure into the chamber 16. ,The i'irst result is to,close the gate 33 and conconiitantly therewith` to depress the piston 64C and retract the latch G2, thus Afreeing the cradle supporting frame so that the loaded cradle can be moved into the alignment with the passages 28 and 48. By this time the airpressure has forced the valve 19` from its seat, and when the carrier comes into alignment with the passage 28 it is eX,-

elled from the cradle throuoh the passa e V D L i8 intothe transmission tube. The cradle support is now restored to receiving position. As the carrier moves through the passage 48 it actuates the detector 72, momentarily breaking the circuit at the switch 7 3, the result of which will be described herein after. l

'TvVhcn the coil Ka closes the motor switches NVQ, it also actuates the maintaining switch arm L (Fig. 7 to close a maintaining circuit which receives current from the main X, such circuit including the normally closed emergency stop button 76, the switch arm L, the normally closed timer switch arm 7 8, and the; conductor 88. Thus when the push button is released the circuit is maintained as before through the timer coils TLL the 1 7'. c i P'Z relay con TU and the signal relay coil I The timer may be of any usual type, adapted, after starting, to perform certain cycle of operations at the end of which it opens the switch 78a and breaks the circuit through the relay Ka, the relay 7, and the lactuating coils of the timer itself. This timer is also of the type which is reset to its starting point whenever the circuit through its actuating coils is broken, and thus whenever the circuit is again closed, the timer starts from the beginning otits cycle. As above noted, the switch 73 is operated by the detector 72 every time a carrier is des- Thus as the first carrier despatched passes the detector 72, the circuit is momentarily broken at the switch 78 and -through the timer coils Ta, so that the timer `is reset to its initial positiontoperform its predetermined complete cycle. However, the breakin@ of the circuit through the `switch 7 8 does not break the circuit through VVthe relay Ka and thus the maintaining circuit is notfbroken yat the switch L?.k Themotor and blower thuscontinue to operate under normal conditions until the carrier has been delivered atthe. stationk B, it being understood that the timer is `soset that it performs its `lcycle in the period necessary for the coinplete traverse of the carrier to its Vdelivery point. llhen the timer completes its cycle the switch 78a is opened; the maintaining circuit is thus brokem'the coils K and 77 are deenergized, the motor and blower come to rest, and the air escapes Jfrom the cylinders 86 and 65 through theby-pass afforded by the pipe 42, etc. Thereupon the gate 33 is opened, while the locking bolt 62 is advanced so that the carrier supporting cradle at the station A can-not be moved out of its proper position. It, before the lirst carrier has reachedits destination, a second carrier be despatched from station A, the detector' .finger 72 is again operated to break the circuit at the switch k73 and thus, without affecting the operation of the motor and signal lamps, the, timer is reset to repeatits cycle so that the safe passage of the carrier to its destination is assured.

By reference to Fig. 7 it may be noted that when the circuit is closed at the station A through actuation of the'push button 75, and the signal relay coil 7 7y has been energized to move the switch arms 7 9aA and 8Oa over into the dotted line positions, it is impossible to complete usetulcircuits by actuation of the push'buttons 75 at either oi the stations B or C. Thus, iforexanipla'ii2 the push button 75 at the station B be actuated, the circuit, which comprises the main X, the push buttons 7 5 and 75, the coilsTb of the timer, the wire 90, the relay switch 7 9, and the wire 91, is broken at the open relay switch 79n so that i't cannot be completed to the main Y; thus so long as the relay coil 77 at the station A is energized it is impossible tostart the motor Ml by actuation of the push button. 7 5 at the station B. In the saine way it vis impossible under similar circumstances to accomplish any results by depression of the button 75 at the station C since the c'ircuit 'which would normally be closed by actuation of this push button is now open at the switch' 80a. r

Vhat has been said as to the operation of station A appliesfequally to the operation of station B, when `a carrier is rst despatched trom the latter it is then impossible to start the motor at the station A.

f As shown in the drawings'the stationV C has no receiving terminal and has no motor or blower'ot its own, but when theV push button 75 at this station is depressed for despatching a carrier from the station C to the station A, the wiring connections are such as to start the motor Mb and to light signal lamps at thestations B and A. However, when the inotorllh at thestation B is started and pressure is built up in the pipe lf2?` at the station B, and the gate at this station is closed, .the locking boltcorresponding tothe bolt'u62 ot Fig. 3 is retracted andthus'the .carrier supported cradle at this station `might be moved to despatch a carrier Whichwould interfere with the operation orn the station C unless provision were made to` prevent this. 'For this reason the station B is provided with a solenoid actuated locking bolt, the coilsfti)b (Fig. 7 of the. solenoid being in parallel with the signal lamp at this station `so that when this lamp is lighted the bolt 68 is ymoved into locking position, thus eifectually preventing the improper sendingof a carrier from the station -B lWhile the station C is inoperation. In the same Way,since the delivery .of air through the pipefromk the station B Wou-ld normally build up pressuresuihicient to retract theV bolt 62 at the station C, the latter station is likewise provided With a solenoid actuated bolt, the coils 69C/ (Fig. 7? of the solenoid being -in parallel With vthe am S. Thus when a carrier is to be despatched trom station B, the cradle supporting frame atstation C is locked so thatit can not be moved out of alignment with the transmission tube. Since the'inotor and blower at the station A are independent ijn their operation, it is unnecessary to provide a solenoid lock at this station, as the pressure cannot be built up at this` point by operation of .blower 13b. sutliient to releasefthe bolt 62 When the carriers are being despatched from the other stations,

the open end of theterminalatthe station permitting tree escape of air.

1 When, duringthe despatch ot' acar'rier fronithe station A, for example, the motor is first started and pressure is built up in the passages 26a and 30,' it is desirable to` relieve this pressure to a certain extent during the movement of the-carrier cradle support from its loading to its delivery position, and .the by-pass provides for escape of air around the despatching mechanism during this movement of the cradle support, the amount of such escaping air being regulated by the controllingrvalve'. Y E Y In the arrangement herein speciiically disclosed the station C is adapted to send carriers only to the station A, but it is evidentI that by a substantial duplication of the Wiring arrangements shown as interconnecting the stations C and B, the apparatusmay readily be adapted for sending carriers roml the station C to both of the stationsA and B,

vand it is likewise evident that the same principles of control may be applied Withingthe scope ofthe invention -toa system in ,Wh-ich more than one station is arranged intermediate the end stations et the system.v ll/loreover, While the stations A and B have been-referred to in some cases as end stations of the system, this term hasbe'en used merely for convenience, sinceitfis readily/.possible that the. syss -tem might be` extended beyond theseA stations `if circumstances should. so demand. More over, the motor driven blowers may` be` of suction or pressure type, and in general may .be considered. as representative of] any force releasingor creating means, Whether pneumatic, mechanical or electrical for lmpelllng carriers alonga Way.

As above noted, theactuation of the starterv push button at any station (Which is necessary preliminary to the despatchof a carrier from suchgstation) makes it impossible toV complete. useful `circuits byactuation of theV push .button at any other station. Thus, the operator Who isfirst topress the starter'bu'tton athis station,.even though he may be but a fraction of kavminute earlier than an' oper.

AatorfatV anotherstation, reserves the right. of

Way for the carrier Whichhe'is vabout to despatch, and this interlocking system of control -f electrical switchesl and connections, aswell as or' mechanical appliances have been Shown, it is to `loe-understood'that these have been, described merely as illustrative of the general principles of the-invention andthat changes in size, relative arrangement of parts, and the substitution of equivalentsall fall VWithin the scope-of the invention. y

conveyor Way spaced mainstations eachhav.- ingleceivmg and despatchA terminals on said .Way and an intermediate station, means kf'or -conductingcarriers alongthe Way from .either -main station' jto the other and Y from theintermediate station toone at least of the main stations, means for initiating move-V -ment .of a carrier from one station to an- .for moving carriers-along said Way in either direction, a starting device at eachstation for initiating operation off-said carrier moving means whereby to despatch a carrier from one-station to another station, and means to prevent effectivel operation of the starting device at any other'k station so'long as said carrier is in transit.

3; A carrier `despatch Asystem comprising` three stations and pneumatic tubes connect- `ing one station toeach ofthe other stations,

eachfstation ,having carrierY despatch terminal, means for creating vcarrier impelling air flow in said tubes, a starter dev1ce at each stationfor yinitiating air flow for` transmittng'a carrier'despatched vfrom such station,

l. Alcarrier despatch systemjcomprisinga and-'meansto'prevent eiective operation of Ithe starter devicesV at any-other station during transmission of said carrier.

'4. A carrier despatch system comprising endstations and anintermediate station, pneumatic tube lines connecting the intermediate station with each end station, each Astation having carrier despatch means, means for creating carrier imp'elling air in either fdirection throughv said lines, a starter device at eacli station for initiating air flow in proper direction to transmit a carrier despatched from said station, and means to prevent eiiective operation or" other starter de- "vices during transmission of said carrier'. y A carrier despatch system comprising 'main stations and an'intermediatestation, pneumatictube lines connecting the interme- 'dviate station with Aeach vmain station, each ,station having carrier despatch means, means 'associated with each main station for creating acariier impelling air flow in the line in a Xilirection' leading from said station, a starter device at each main station for initiating; the operation-*oi the iioW creating meansfassociated VWith such station, and starter means at the intermediate station also foperativefto initiate the operation of atleast stations, motor means attvvo oi' said stations adapted to furnish force necessary to move a v'one of said'lovv creating means.

lGQA carrier despatch system comprising vmain'lstationsand an intermediate station,

Vpneumatic `tube 'li-nes'v connecting the intermediate station With each main station, each station having carrier despatch means, a blower associated With each main stationfor "delivering air underpressure tothe tube line leading from such station, a starter device at eachmain stationor'initiating the operation ofthe blower at suchstation, and starter means at the intermediate stationV Vttor initiating operationof one at least of such blowers;- t 7. A carrier despatch system comprising ,main stat-ions and an intermediate station, pneumatic tube lines connecting the intermediate station With eachY main station, each 'station having carrier'despatch means, the

tube lines having normally open delivery terminals at each main station, means for delivering air under pressure to the tube line at each main station, means at each main "station for closing the corresponding delivery terminal, a starter device at each main `station for initiating Vthe delivery of air to the tube at'said station, and starter means at the intermediate station for closing the delivery terminal and initiating the delivery of air-'atene atleast of the main stations,

8. A' carrier despatch system comprising at least three stations, a way connecting said carrier 'alongthevvay, means at one station to start one motor means into operation, and

Yindependent means at each of two other Stil.-

tions forstarting the other motor means into operation. V

9. A carrier despatch system comprising a Way for carriers, a pair lof stations each having means for delivering a carrier into the'way, motor means adapted'to furnish Vforce for moving carriers, received at each station, in the same direction along the Way, independent means at each stationior starting said motor means into operation, and timing means associated with each starting means for keeping the motor means in operation for predetermined period of time sufficient to permit the carrier to complete its journey along the Way.

10. A carrier despatch system comprising a Way for carriers, a motor adapted to furnish the force necessary to move a carrier along the Way, means 'for starting the motor into action When the carrier is to be dispatched, a timer Which is set When the motor is started and which keeps the motor in operation until the end of a predetermined period of time sufficient to enable the carrier kto complete its `journey, and carrier actuated means for automatically resetting the timer for rits intitial time period Whenever a carrier is despatched before Aexpiration of the period of the previous setting of the'timer.

11. A carrier despatch system comprising a conveyor Way, spaced Vmain stations and an intermediate station along said Way, means for moving carriers along said Way, carrier despatch means` at each station comprising an element movable laterally into and out of alignment with said Way, starter means at 'each'station for initiating the'transit of a carrier along said way, and means actuable by said started means for'concomitantly locking the movable despatch elements at another station. Y 12. A carrier despatch system comprising a conveyor Way, spaced main stations and an intermediate station along said Way, means ormoving carriers along said Way, carrier despatch means at each station comprising a carrier supporting cradle movable laterally of the conveyor Way into and out of alignment with the Way, means for locking the cradle in alignment With the Way, starter means at each station, means actuable by any starter means for initiating the transit of a carrier along the Way and for concoinitantly actuating the cradle locking means at another stal station havingy despatch means comprising a cradle movable laterally into and out of align- `nient with the tube line, means for locking the cradleA in alignment With the tube line, means for creating carrier iinpelling air tloW il! th@ @i2-be line, and, starter 'means at each station for initiating such carrier impelling air ioW, and for concomitantly actuating the cradle locking means at another station.y

14. A carrier despatch system comprising a pair of main stations, an intermediate station, and pneumatic tube lines connecting the intermediate station to each main station, each` station having despatch means compris.- ing an` oscillatory support provided with a plurality of carrier receiving cradles, any one of Which may be aligned Withv thetube line, means for locking each support With onev of its cradles in alignment with the tube, means tor creating carrier impelling air flow in the tube lines, and starter means at each station adapted concomitantly to initiate carrier impelling air flow and to actuate the cradle locking means. at one other station at least. Y j

15. A carrier despatch system comprising a pair of stations, pneumatic tube lines connecting the stations, each station having a stationary despatching shelf, a support movable laterally of thetube line and having a cradle Which may be brought alternatively into carrier receiving' relation to the shelt` and into alignment with the tube line, respectively, means for locking the cradle in the latter position, and: controlling means arranged at each station for initiating carrier iinpelling air flow and for concomitantly actuating the cradle locking meansat the other station.

16. A carrier despatch system comprising a pneumatic tube having a normally open de- Y livery terminal, means orcreatinga carri-er impelling air iioiv in the tube', means for closing thev delivery terminal', anda starter device for concomitantly actuating the terminal closing means and forinitiating airiiow through the tube. Y

17. A carrier despatch system comprising a pneumatic tube having a normally open delivery terminal, a closure tor'saidterminal, means for. delivering air Linder pressure into the tube at a point adjacent to said terminal, means for initiating the delivery of `air to the terminal and thereby actuating the closure, and means for insuring actuation of the closure prior to delivery of air to the tube.

18. A carrier despatch system comprising a pneumatictube through Which carriers may passl in either direction, a gate forcl'osing the passage through the tube, the tube having an opening spaced from the gate for admitting a carrier to the tube, a port intermediate the gate and carrier admission opening for admitting air to the tube, and pneumatic means for closing the gate and for causing airto enter said port.

19. A carrier despatch system comprising a pneumatic tube through Which carriers may pass in either direction, a gate for closing the passage through the tube, the tube having an opening spaced from the gate for admitting a pneumatic transmission tube through Which carriers may pass in either direction, a gate for closing the passage through the tube, the tube having anopening spaced from the gate for admitting a carrier to the tube, ak port A intermediate the gate and carrier admission opening foradmitting air to the tube, apneu.- matic motorV for moving the gate, a casing providing a. plenumchamber, means for supplying air und-er pressure to said chamber, a conduit leading from the chamber to the motor, a passage leading from .said chamber i to the port, a by-pass for air leading around the carrier admission opening, and an adjustable valve in' the by-pass.

2l. A carriery despatch system comprising a pneumatic tube through which carriers may pass in either direction, a gate tor closing the passage through the tube, the tube having an opening spaced from the gate ior admitting a carrier to Athe tube, a port intermediate the gate and carrier admission opening for admitting air to the tube,.mean.s forjvsupplying air under pressure to the port, a'movable support disposed in thercarrier admissionopening, said. support having' a carrier receiving sito cradle movable intov and out of alignment With the tube, and a by-pass providing communication between the parts of the tube at opposite sides ofthe carrier admission opening.

22. A carrier 'despatch system comprising a pneumatic tube through Which carriers may pass in either direction, a gate for' closing the passage through the tube, the tube having anV opening spaced from the gate for admitting a carrier to the tube, a port intermediate the gate and carrier admission opening for admitting air to the tube, means for supplying air under pressure to the port, a movable support disposed. in the carrier. admission opening, said support having end plates and a carrier receiving cradle, and a by-pass providing communication between the parts 'of the tube at opposite sides of. the carrierl ad'- ills mission' opening when the end platesof the.

support are so positioned as to block the tube at said. opening.

23. carrier despatch system comprising a pneumatic tube through Which carriers may pass in either direction, a gate for closing the passage through the tube, the tube having an opening .spaced from the gate for admitting a carrier to the tube, a port intermediate the `gate andcarrier admission opening for admitting air to the tube, a pneumatic motor for `moving the gate, means for supplying air-unpassage.

der pressure to the motork and port, and means preventing delivery of such air to the port until after the motor has closed the gate.

2e. A carrier despatch systemcoinprising a pneumatic tube through which carriers may pass in eitherdirection, a gate tor closing the passage through the tube, the tube having an opening spaced from the gate for admitting a carrier to the tube, a port-intermediate the gate and carrier admission opening for admitting air to the tube, a pneumatic motor for moving the gate, means for supplying air under pressure to the motor and poit, and an automatic pneumatically actuated valve for preventing delivery of air to the port un- -til ,themotor has closed the gate. Y

25; A carrier despatch system comprising a pneumatic tube through which carriers may pass in either direction, a gate for closing the passage through the tube, the tube having an opening spaced from the gate for admitting a carrier to the tube,a port intermediate Vthe gate and carrier `admission 'openingfor admitting air to the tube, a pneumatic motor for moving the gate, acasing providing a plenum chamber, means for supplying air under pressure to said chamber, a conduit leading `from the chamber to lthe motor, a passage leading from said chamber to the port, and a spring loaded valve normallyv closing said 26. ,A carrier despatch system comprising a. pneumatic tube, a gate for closing the passage through the tube, the tube having` van openingspaced from the gate toradmitting a carrier to the tube, a port intermediate the gate andcarrier adinisslon'opening for admitting air to the tube, a pneumatic motor Jfor moving the gate, casing providing a plenum chamber, a means for'supplying air under pressure to said chamber, a conduit leading 'from the `chamber to the motor, the chamber Vhaving a. delivery orifice provided with a valve seat, said oriice providing communication between the plenum chamber and a passage leading to the port, a valve normally closing said or'lice and means to prevent sudden movement of said valve. 5

27. A carrier despatch systemicomprising two stations anda pneumatic tube connecting the stations, means at one station tor creating a carrier impelling air current through the tube, carrier despatch means at each station comprising a movable element, a pair ot locking members 'for each of said movable elements, one member of each pair' normally being in locking position and the 'other member of each pair beingnormally in Aunlocking position,l a starter at each station for initiating air flow through the tube, means responsive'to the operation of the starter at either station for causing the normally operative locking members at each station to become inoperative, and means also responsive to the actuation of either'starter to cause the-nor- `ma'lly inoperative locking member at thejother station only to become operative.

28. A carrierdespatch system comprising a plurality o-stations, -a pneumatic vtube connecting thestat'ions, means at each station for delivering a carrier to the tube Jiormdespatch therethrough, saidmeans including a movable support havinga carrier receiving cradle Which may be moved into and out of `alignment With the tube', means normally locking the lsupport with the cradle in alignment With the tube, a starter device at each station for initiating a carrier propelling air flow-in the tube, and means responsive to the actuaticnct'the starter device at either sta- Y tion for unlocking the cradle ,support at said station. .I i Y 29. A carrier despatch system comprising a plurality of stations, a pneumatic tube connecting the stations, means at each station for delivering a carri-er to the tube for despatch therethrough, said means including a movable support'h-aving a carrier receiving cradle Which may be moved into and out of alignment With the tube, meansncrmally,

lociring the support with the cradle in alignment with the tube, a pneumatic for operatig the locking means at each station, means for supplying air under pressure to the pneumatic and to the tube, and means to prevent i access ofthe air to the tube until after the pneumatic has been -actuated to release the locking means. r

30. en carrier despatch system comprising plurality of stations,a pneumatic tube conthrough fthe tube. -1

3l. A carrier despatch system comprising a plurality of stations, a pneumatic tube connecting the stations, means at eachistationtoi' delivering a carrier to the tube for despatch therethrough, said means including a movable support having a carrier receiving lcradle 'which may be moved into and out of alignmentwith the tube, means normally locking ithe'sup aort with the cradle in alignment With the tube, normally inoperative locking means at one or" said stations, at least, adapted to llocltthe cradle support with thecradle in alignment with the' tube, a starterA device at each station for initiating a' carrier propellingtlotvzin the tube, and means responsive lto the actuation ofthe starter deviceiat one for delivering a carrier to the tube for desing'the normally inoperative patch therethrough, said means including a movable support having a carrier receiving cradle which may be moved into and out of alignment with the tube, means normally locking the support with the cradle in alignment with the tube, normally inoperative locking means at one of said stations, at least, adapted to lock the cradle support with the cradle in alignment with the tube, a starter device at each station for initiating a carrier propelling air flow in the tube, and electronagnetic means responsive to actuation of the starter device at one station for actuating the locking means at another stationto hold the cradle support in fixed position during transit of a carrier.

33. A carrier despatch system comprising a plurality of stations, a pneumatic tube connecting the stations, means at each station for delivering a carrier to the tube for despatch therethrough, said means including a movable support having a carrier receiving cradle which may be moved into and out otalignment with the tube, normally operative and normally inoperative cradle support locking means at each station, a starter device at each station for initiating carrier impelling air flow through the tube, and means responsive to the actuation of the starter device at eitherV station for unlocking the normally operative locking means at such station and for locklocking means at the other station.

A carrier despatch system comprising at least three stations, means for-'transmitting carriers from one station of the system to another, signal means at each station, and means operative, when a carrier is despatched from any station of the system, to energize the signals atk all other stations during the transit ofthe carrier.l

35. A carrier despatch system comprising at least three stations and carrier transmitting means connecting the Stations, a normally inoperative visual signal at each station, and mea-ns responsive to the despatch of a carrier from any station for making operative the signal at that station at least for which the carrier is destined. l

36. A carrier despatch system comprising a way Jfor carriers, means adapted to provide force for moving a carrier along the way, a starter operable to set said force providing means into action, automatic means for keeping said force providing means in action after the starter means ceases to function, carrier Y actuated means, and timing means also set into action by the starter and which is adapted to stop the action of said force providing meansat the end of a period of time suhicient to'permit the carrier to complete its journey, and reset by the actuation of the carrier actu ated means. f

37. A carrier despatch system comprising a pneumatic tube, means for causing a carrier imp elling lair current through the tube, a starter operable to. initiate air flow through the tube, .automatic means vfor maintaining such How after the starter ceases to function,

carrier actuated means and timing means adapted to stop the air iow through the tube at the end oi' a predetermined period of time, said timing means being set into action by the starterand reset upon the actuation of the` carrier actuatedV means.

38. A carrier despatch system comprising a way for carriers, anelectric motor for causing movement of a carrier along the way, a motor controlling switch, electromagnetic means for closing the switch, a starter for closing a circuit to engage said electromagnetic means, a circuit maintaining switch which is closed by energization of said electromagnetic means and which keeps the latter energized when the starter ceases to act, carrier actuated means and a timer which is started on closure of the circuit maintaining switch and restarted by the action of the carrier actuated means and which normally breaks the maintaining circuit at theend of a predetermined time after the timerfstarts.

39. A carrier despatch systemy comprising a way tor-carriers, an electric motor for caus` ingmovement of a carrier along the way, a

motor controlling switch, electromagnetic means for closing the switch, a starterrfor closing a circuit to engage said electromagnetic means, a circuit maintaining switch which is closed by energization of said electromagnetic means and which keeps the latter energized when the starter ceases to act, a timeradapted when started to perform a predetermined cycle of operations and at the end of such cycle to'break the maintaining circuit, and means independent of the starter and operative whenever a carrier passes along the way, beforev the-timer has completed its cycle, for stopping the timer and restarting it at the beginningof its cycle.

40. A carrier despatch system comprising a wayor carriers, an electric motor for causing movement of a carrier along the way, a motor controlling switch, electromagnetic means for closing the switch, a starter for closing a circuit to energize said electromagnetic means, a circuit maintaining switch which is closed by energization of said electromagnetic means land which keeps the latter energized when the starter ceases to act, a timer adapted when started to perform a predetermined cycle and at the end of rsuch cycle to break themaintaining circuit, a deizo tector element responsive't-o the passage of a carrier along said way, and means under control ot the said detector element for resetting the timer to the beginning oi its cycle whenever a carrier passes the detector element before the timer has completed its cycle.

4l. A carrier despatch system comprising a pneumatic tube, a. blower for providing carrier impelling air current in the tube, an electric motor for driving the blower, a motor controlling switch, an electromagnetic actuator for the switch, a push button for closing a starter circuit including said actuator, a maintaining switch also operated by the actuator and thereby closing a maintaining circuit including the actuator when the starter circuit is broken, a timing switch in the maintaining circuit, aY timer adapted when started to perform a predetermined cycle ot operations and at the end ot such cycle to operate the timing switchto break the maintaining` circuit, the timer being started by closure of the maintaining switch, and means, including a detector, and a switch, independent of the maintaining switch, for stopping the timer and restarting it at the beginning of its cycle whenever aV carrier passes the detector prior to completion ot thetimer cycle. Y

42.. A carrier despatch system comprising a way tor carriers, an electric motor for causing movement or" a carrier along the way, a starter for closing a circuit to energize the motor when a carrier is to be despatched, automatic means to. keep said circuit closed v after the starter ceases to function, carrier actuated-means, which when actuated breaks said circuit momentarily and timing means which is adapted to stop the motor at the end of a period of time suiiicient to permit the carrier to complete its journey.

43. A carrier despatch system comprising. a. way for carriers, anelectric motor forv causing movement of a carrier along the way, a motor controlling switch whichis closed by actuation of the' starter whereby lto energize the. motor, a maintaining circuit having a switch whichis also closed by actuation of the starter and thereby keeps the motor controlling switch closed after the starter ceases to function, a circuit breaking switch in said maintaining circuit, and a timer adapted to actuate said circuit breaking switch and open said maintaining circuit at the end of a predetermined period lof time.

44. A carrier despatch system comprising a pair of stations, a blower for producing,y carrier impelling air How Vfor despatching a carrierfrom either station, a. motor for operating each blower, a starter ateach station for initiating the operation of the correspending motor, and means responsive to operation of the starter at one station to prevent operation of the motor at the other station in tion whose normal operation is to unlock its corresponding support, and means responsive to the actuation ot the starter at one station for locking the support of the other station to prevent its release by actuation of its rospectiife starter. V

. 4G. A carrier despatch system comprising a plurality ot stations, carrier despatch means lat each station comprising a carrier support movable to and from carrier de spatching position, a starter at'each-station which must be actua-ted as a preliminary to movement of the carrier support, and means responsive to actuation of the starter at any selected station to make other startersl inettective with reference to the corresponding carrier supports. i

47. A carrier despatch system comprising a plurality of stations, carrier despatch means at each station comprising a carrier support movable to and from carrier despatching position, means normally locking said carrier support in one of said positions,

a starter at each station, the normal operation of each starter releasing'the correspond# ing carrier support, Vand means responsive to actuedtion ot any starter to prevent release oi all other carrier supports by operation of the corresponding starters.

48. A carrier despatch system comprising means providing a way for carriers, a plurality of gates adapted to move into and out ofthe carrier path, an actuator for each gate, the operation of any actuator normally initiating movement of the corresponding gate, and means'responsive to operation of one actuator to make all other actuators inetlec- `tive to initiate movement of their respective gates. f l

49. Acarrier despatch system comprising av pair of stations, a gate at each stationl adapted to move into and out of the carrier path, a starter at each station, actuation of each starternormally initiating movement of ,the corresponding gate, and means responsive to operation of one starter to prevent movement o'Lt the' other Vgate in response to actuation of its respective starter.

Signed by us at Syracuse, N. Y. this first day of March, 1930.

i CHESTER S. JENNINGS.

FRANK W. MACMARTIN. 

